Blog RSS

ASK ME Mental Health Support for VUMC Faculty/Staff

harnessg — Wed, 09 Aug 2023 20:17:25 +0000

ASK ME Mental Health Support for VUMC Faculty/Staff

Services for Staff, Services, Work/Life Connections

harnessg Wed, 08/09/2023 - 15:17 RSS:

Work/LIfe Connections

Finding mental health support can sometimes feel overwhelming. The ASK ME service, provided by Work/Life Connections-EAP, can ease the journey and personalize your care.

While the match between a client and a behavioral health provider is critical to a successful outcome, there is no single list that can easily guide you to the right provider. There are many behavioral health specialties in areas such as trauma, serious mental illness, medication, child and adolescent issues, wellness coaching, working with couples, issues unique to older adults, psychological testing, addictions, and dealing with various diagnoses. Furthermore, some providers will see clients in their offices and many more are seeing clients virtually.

The ASK ME team is available to help match you or your spouse with a potential behavioral health provider based on your individual needs. Contact the ASK ME service at 615-936-1327 or email worklife.connections@vumc.org.

Tags

Counseling, Mental Health

Lockdown Auth

Achieving a Balanced Life in 2023

harnessg — Mon, 23 Jan 2023 16:16:49 +0000

Achieving a Balanced Life in 2023

Work/Life Connections, Resource Articles, Living Healthy, Feeling Good

harnessg Mon, 01/23/2023 - 10:16 RSS:

Work/LIfe Connections

January is known for fresh starts and setting new goals for the new year. So, it’s not surprising to learn this month is also known as Get A Balanced Life Month. It’s a great time to start figuring out how to balance your personal and professional life by setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care. While it’s easier said than done, let’s start off with a few things to consider.

To start, think about your priorities. In Stephen Covey’s book, The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, he refers to personal and professional priorities as “big rocks”. You may have several of these big rocks but write down three or four that are the most important to you. Some personal priorities might be exercising each day or traveling to see friends and family. Your professional goals may be working towards a promotion or submitting your work for publication. Whatever the goal, make sure you include a personal and professional item.

After you finish writing out your big rocks, write down a few things you love to do that give you meaning, joy, and fulfillment. For example, maybe you love to read but haven’t had time to sit down and do it. Write down on your list to carve out time to read. Prioritizing hobbies and activities you love to do is just as important as setting professional goals in your life.

VUMC faculty and staff members who feel they are struggling to find a healthy balance in your personal life and work life can call 615-936-1327 to schedule a confidential appointment with one of our EAP Counselors. They can help you set boundaries, understand your goals, and prioritize your self-care.

Tags

VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Managers' Toolkit - Building Resilience

admin — Tue, 27 May 2014 18:29:51 +0000

Managers' Toolkit - Building Resilience

Services, Services for Managers, Work/Life Connections

admin Tue, 05/27/2014 - 13:29 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

The healthcare industry is facing a time of strategic change and challenges. As leaders, we must realistically, yet optimistically, help our staff to adjust to change and to create innovative ways to provide services. We can achieve this by nurturing employees' resilience and coping skills so that they can continue to provide the best service, care, and compassion, while still experiencing satisfaction and accomplishment.

Here are 3 ways your can to bring RESILIENCE into your work environment.

Show a video at one of your staff meetings - "Building Resilience: Turning Challenges into Success," highlights tools to help achieve personal happiness and productivity despite life's changes and challenges. This 23-minute video shows employees how they can maintain and/or improve their well-being through their attitudes, skills, and healthy lifestyle choices.
Use the Vanderbilt Health & Wellness Resilience Toolkit – Using this collection of articles and resources, a manager can emphasize one component or skill set as a theme of a staff meeting, unit board, or newsletter.
Departmental Skill Building Training – Invite a Work/Life Connections-EAP Counselor to present on some aspect of employee well-being as a way to develop rapport and morale. In addition, employees learn about the resources available to help them achieve better psychological resilience.

Managers can choose topics such as one or more of the following:

Stress, Compassion Fatigue, Burnout and YOU! -Those who work in healthcare are often exposed to emotionally-charged situations. Left unchecked, this can take its toll. The issue is not the amount of stress you have but how well you can cope with it. There are several "stress protectors" that can combat against compassion fatigue and burnout, and these help employees to bounce back more quickly when experiencing stress.
Instructor: Jim Kendall, LCSW CEAP
Change and Resilience -Change is a stressor that alters our equilibrium. While sometimes positive or needed, change also represents loss and the need for adjustments. Learning to be "change-proficient" can help employees be more resilient.
Instructor: Jim Kendall, LCSW CEAP
Stress Resilience in Uncertain Times - Since life surprises us with ups-and-downs, we need to maintain a lifestyle that allows us to bounce back. Employees will learn how to be resilient in the face of reality.
Instructor: Jim Kendall, LCSW CEAP
Removing Roadblocks to Change -What keeps us from adapting to change? This presentation will help employees identify six roadblocks to change and ways to remove these barriers.
Instructor: Janet McCutchen, LPC CEAP
Managing Conflict with Assertiveness - Conflict can be a source of growth, if managed well. Help employees learn about their conflict management style and how to respond, effectively.
Instructor: Janet McCutchen, LPC, CEAP
Building the Civilized Workplace: It Starts with ME! -Each of us has a responsibility to create and maintain a civilized workplace that promotes a positive work environment. Learn how employees can help to create a civilized and productive workplace.
Instructor: Margie Gale, RN, MSN,CEAP
Encountering Distressed Customers -We deal with all kinds of people, often at their most vulnerable time. Some are kind and appreciative; others are abusive and hostile. This workshop is designed to help front line staff understand and defuse these situations before they get out of hand.
Instructor: Jim Kendall, LCSW CEAP

Work/Life Connections-EAP provides psychological support to the Vanderbilt faculty and staff through performance coaching, consultation, assessments, community referrals, and brief counseling. For a confidential appointment call 615-936-1327.

Tags

Prevention, Resilience, Stress, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Coaching at Vanderbilt

admin — Tue, 08 Jan 2013 17:05:15 +0000

Coaching at Vanderbilt

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Tue, 01/08/2013 - 11:05 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

"Good coaching can be invaluable for even the best performers." -- Jeff Balser, MD, President & CEO, Vanderbilt University Medical Center

What is coaching? Coaching involves the process of supporting and guiding a person to meet his or her full potential. The coach's role may be as a Leader, Teacher, Motivator, Organizer, Adviser, Encourager, and/or Mentor.

Some coaching techniques include: motivational interviewing, basic skill review, enhancement of emotional intelligence, and development of vision and/or goal setting. The types of coaching available at Vanderbilt are just as varied as the possible techniques that are used. Below is a list of Vanderbilt coaching resources:

Work/Life Connections - EAP Performance Coaching -This service is provided by licensed professionals to help employees address workplace situations in which "personality impacts performance." Coaches help employees examine areas of limitation or challenge and assist in the development of a personalized improvement plan. Examples of areas addressed in Performance Coaching include: communication and listening skills, emotional intelligence, organizational and time management, stress management, and work/life balance. Call 936-1327 for an appointment.
Health Plus Lifestyle Coaching - This program promotes healthy behavior change and the reduction of health risks. Population Coaching provides, via quarterly emails, information about Vanderbilt resources and educational information pertaining to identified health risks. In addition, faculty/staff with the greatest risks in one of 4 categories: weight, physical inactivity, high stress, or tobacco use are invited to participate in Personal Lifestyle Coaching (non-clinical), the goal of which is to guide the participant in setting goals, creating a plan to achieve this goal, and providing support through the behavior change process. Call 343-8943 for more information.
Vanderbilt University Medical Center Human ResourcesWorkforce Development Team offers a variety of professional development opportunities to individuals and teams. For example, trainings on techniques to enhance leadership abilities, education on leadership and communication styles; and instruction in preparing and conducting performance development meetings and action plans. There are a number of online resources available on their website.
Nursing Education and Professional Development Frontline Leadership Academy Nurse Practicum Coaching - This service for nurses is coordinated by Chris Wilson, MSN, RN and reinforces classroom and practicum learning to enhance critical leadership skills and improve practice at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. The focus is on improved critical thinking and problem solving, communication, delegation, mentoring, and other critical skills. Call 615-343-3469 for more information.

Tags

Coaching, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Basic Workplace Skills

admin — Fri, 14 Sep 2012 19:05:49 +0000

Basic Workplace Skills

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Fri, 09/14/2012 - 14:05 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

The American Society of Training and Development (ASTD) and U.S. Department of Labor identified 16 basic skills needed for success in the workplace.

Work/Life Connections-EAP can provide individual coaching or departmental training in several of the 16 skills needed to enhance workplace performance (in bold).

Foundation Skill: Learning how to learn
Reading Competence
Writing Competence
Computation (mathematics) Competence
Communication - Listening (interpersonal skill)
Communication - Oral (verbalize thoughts) (interpersonal skill)
Adaptability: Creative Thinking (and conceptualize)
Adaptability: Problem Solving (and organization)
Personal Management: Self Esteem and Self Care
Personal Management: Goal Setting/Motivation
Personal Management: Personal/Career Development
Group Effectiveness: Interpersonal Skills
Group Effectiveness: Negotiation (resolve conflict)
Group Effectiveness: Teamwork
Influence: Organizational Effectiveness
Influence: Leadership (and shared leadership)

If you are interested in skill development training in any of these or other areas, please call 615-936-1327 to discuss how WLC-EAP may assist you or your department.

Tags

Coaching, Training, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Disordered Eating and Negative Body Image Self-Assessment

admin — Wed, 15 Feb 2012 20:57:09 +0000

Disordered Eating and Negative Body Image Self-Assessment

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Wed, 02/15/2012 - 14:57 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Disordered eating refers to a continuum of eating behaviors that can be linked to managing overwhelming emotions or to negative beliefs about ourselves, food, or our body image. Not every person with disordered eating behaviors or a negative view of their body has a diagnosable eating disorder (i.e., anorexia, bulimia, or binge eating disorder), but they may eat or not eat due to stress, use food to find comfort or to establish a sense of control, or have rigid or strange food rules or rituals that affect their health, relationships, and overall functioning.

Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past three months.

Felt guilty after eating?
Felt preoccupied by what I ate?
Weighed myself multiple times each week?
Ate to the point of feeling sick or uncomfortable?
Skipped meals to avoid weight gain?
Ate only "safe" foods with low calories, fat, etc.?
Used laxatives, diuretics, or diet pills to control weight?
Vomited after meals to keep from gaining weight?
Hidden the fact that I ate or did not eat food?
Ate to feel comfort or to feel better?
Felt anxious or worried if not able to exercise?
Felt ashamed of my body size, shape, or appearance?

If you answered "Yes" to 4 or more of these, then you might have disordered eating or negative body image. If you are concerned about your eating behavior or thoughts about your body, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a Vanderbilt faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.

Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on Disordered Eating and Negative Body Image. You can also access other online screening instruments through Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.

Tags

Body Mass Index, Counseling, Mental Health, VUMC, Weight Management

Lockdown Auth

Stress Self-Assessment

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:39:50 +0000

Stress Self-Assessment

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Tue, 01/31/2012 - 13:39 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Stress is a common experience for most people. There are more positive forms of stress, such as getting married, having a child, or moving into a new home. There are also less positive forms of stress, such as increased job demands, financial difficulties, or time pressures. Regardless of how positive stress can be, it can take a toll on a person's overall functioning.

Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past month on a fairly consistent basis.

Had difficulty being able to relax?
Struggled to keep up with demands?
Lost motivation due to feeling behind on projects?
Felt distracted, irritated, short-tempered?
Had difficulty falling or staying asleep?
Used alcohol to help with relaxation or sleep?
Worried about past, current, or future responsibilities?
Have been sick or had difficulty recovering from illness?

If you answered "Yes" to 3 or more of these, then you might be experiencing a high level of stress. If you are concerned about your stress level, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a Vanderbilt faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.

Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on Stress. You can also access other online screening instruments through Mental Health America of Middle Tennessee.

Tags

Change, Counseling, Mental Health, Stress, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Depression Self-Assessment

admin — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:35:03 +0000

Depression Self-Assessment

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Tue, 01/31/2012 - 13:35 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

There is a difference between feeling sad and having depression. Sadness is a normal response to disappointment, loss, endings, etc. People who are depressed are sad, but their sadness is present more often than not and can affect social, occupational, and other areas of functioning. A person with depression may also cry a lot, feel angry or irritable, and have frequent and vague physical complaints, such as headaches, muscle aches, and stomach upset.

Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past two weeks on a fairly consistent basis.

Felt bad or down most of the time?
Felt irritable or on edge?
Lost interest in activities I used to enjoy?
Felt tired most of the day on a frequent basis?
Slept too much or unable to sleep most nights?
Had trouble concentrating?
Felt anxious, restless, or lethargic?
Felt worthless, hopeless, or helpless?
Experienced aches, muscle pain, or stomach problems?
Had frequent thoughts of death or dying?

If you answered "Yes" to 5 or more of these, then you might be experiencing depression. If you are concerned about your mood, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a Vanderbilt faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.

Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on Depression. You can also access other online screening instruments through the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Association.

Tags

Counseling, Grief, Mental Health, Prevention, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Anxiety Self-Assessment

admin — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:07:08 +0000

Anxiety Self-Assessment

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Mon, 01/30/2012 - 16:07 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Anxiety is a normal response to a stressful event or situation. We all experience anxiety in different ways. For some, it is a motivator for change or gives an extra burst of energy. For others, it overwhelms or paralyzes them for a short period of time. When anxiety is frequent and has longer lasting effects, it creates limitations in a person's social, occupational, and other areas of functioning.

Please answer "Yes" or "No" if you have engaged in or experienced any of the following over the past six months on a fairly consistent basis.

Felt nervous more days than not?
Worried about a lot of things most days?
Had difficulty stopping my worry?
Had trouble falling asleep/staying asleep?
Felt easily fatigued?
Had trouble concentrating?
Felt easily annoyed, irritated, or on edge?
Had muscle tightness, pain, or tension?
Experienced stomach problems or other ailments?
Had to change plans due to worry or nervousness?

If you answered "Yes" to 5 or more of these, then you might be experiencing anxiety. If you are concerned about your level of anxiety, please seek medical and/or psychological support. If you are a VUMC faculty or staff member, you can start by calling Work/Life Connections – EAP at (615) 936-1327 for a free, confidential assessment.

Please consult the Vanderbilt Health and Wellness Resource Library for more information on Anxiety. You can also access other online screening instruments through the Middle Tennessee Mental Health Association.

Tags

Change, Counseling, Mental Health, Prevention, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Support Following the Death of an Employee

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:49 +0000

Support Following the Death of an Employee

Services, Services for Managers, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

From time to time at Vanderbilt, one of the members of our faculty or staff dies or is seriously injured. The loss leaves co-workers or a group of colleagues to deal with their own personal grief. Work/Life Connections-EAP counselors can assist management by meeting with individuals and/or groups to provide support for the managers, faculty, and staff who are dealing with the impact of loss.

Call Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615-936-1327 for support and psychological first aid assistance.

Read the article, "What Do I Say When Someone is Grieving?"

Tags

Crisis, Critical Incident Stress, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

The Nurse Wellness Program

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:49 +0000

The Nurse Wellness Program

Services, Services for Nurses, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

The Nurse Wellness Program provides counseling, coaching, outreach, and wellness opportunities to registered nurses, advanced practice nurses, graduate nurses, licensed practical nurses and their spouses or same-sex domestic partners.

Tags

Counseling, Mental Health, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Professional Assistance Programs

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:48 +0000

Professional Assistance Programs

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Physicians, nurses, and other healthcare professionals have requirements for addressing professionals who are impaired. Professional Assistance Programs provide an alternative to losing one’s license for the impaired professional who gets treatment and complies with their guidelines. The Tennessee Medical Foundation (TMF) serves to assist impaired physicians. Additional information about their services can be accessed through the following links:

Tennessee Professional Assistance Program

Nurses, EMTs, paramedics, respiratory therapists, physician assistants, occupational therapists, physical therapists and laboratory technicians, and others healthcare specialists may seek advocacy through the Tennessee Professional Assistance Program – TN-PAP.

Tennessee Medical Foundation-Physician’s Health Program (Physicians)

The Tennessee Medical Foundation-Physician’s Health Program has developed a highly successful, professionally managed program to help salvage the practices—and the lives—of impaired physicians.

Referrals may be made confidentially by an employee assistance program, a co-worker, family member, friend or the physician him/herself. If the physician has come to the attention of the Board of Medical Examiners (BME) or its investigative staff, and the physician is willing to undergo a thorough evaluation to determine the extent of the problem and any treatment needed, all information may be kept confidential from the BME. The Board also makes referrals to the PHP when a rehabilitation program is deemed appropriate as a part of any disciplinary action.

Physicians may benefit from services offered by the Tennessee Medical Foundation-Physician’s Health Program.

Tags

Addiction, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Recovery Support Services

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:48 +0000

Recovery Support Services

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

It is estimated that one out of every ten employees in the workplace has a substance abuse problem at some time in their lives. The good news is that addictions are treatable. The Recovery Support Services of Work/Life Connections-EAP offer resources for faculty, staff and supervisors when alcohol, drug abuse or other behavioral addictions and compulsions are a concern.

It is important to get help early. When treatment is indicated, Work/Life Connections-EAP will provide a professional assessment and refer the faculty or staff member to appropriate resources.

Safety is a paramount concern for our customers (patients, students, parents, families, faculty and staff).

Components of Recovery:

The Work/Life Connections-EAP (WLC-EAP) counselor may suggest a referral to a treatment resource or support groups focused on recovery from alcohol, substances or compulsive behaviors.

It is important to connect with community providers who have an expertise in dealing with the specific issues faced by those in recovery. The WLC-EAP counselor will give three referral suggestions. The client is responsible for any payment when utilizing a community provider. However, the client's Vanderbilt insurance plan may cover a portion of this charge in accordance with the criteria of the client's specific insurance plan.

Find Policy Resources:

Read Vanderbilt University's Substance Abuse Policy
Read Vanderbilt Medical Center's Substance Abuse Policy
Read Vanderbilt University's Faculty Manual

Additional Resources

Against The Stream - 615-831-1050
Alcoholics Anonymous - 800-677-8209
Bradford Health Treatment Center - 615-352-1757
Cumberland Heights Treatment Center - 615-345-4334
JourneyPure 855-909-9866
Narcotics Anonymous - 866-897-2862
Sex Addicts Anonymous
StartYourRecovery.org
Vanderbilt Psychiatric Hospital – Addictions Program - 615-327-7000 - Vanderbilt Behavioral Health's Addictions Program helps patients detoxify and get a solid start to recovery. This program is based on a very specialized approach to the 12-Step Program for recovery from chemical dependency and psychiatric problems.

Tags

Addiction, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Social Connections

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:48 +0000

Social Connections

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

One method of increasing stress resilience is to build a social support network. This can be a challenge if you are new to a community. The Middle Tennessee area is rich with opportunities to make connections. For parents, children provide a great way to meet other parents with a similar focus through child related activities- sports, music and school-based functions. In the workplace, ask colleagues who may have similar interests for their ideas about ways to meet others. Nashville has many places of worship. Look in the Nashville Yellow Pages for more information.

We have developed this list to help you begin to identify some ways that people meet others in Nashville.

Adventure Science Center - Adventure Science Center is an interactive science-learning center where families can laugh and learn together.
American Red Cross - The American Red Cross is a humanitarian organization providing relief to victims of disaster and helping people prevent, prepare for, and respond to emergencies.
Big Brothers Big Sisters - Make a difference in a child's life by being a mentor.
Dog Parks - Walking and playing with one's dog has long been among the most popular reasons to visit a Metro Nashville park. While leashed dogs are welcome in all Metro Parks, Metro's Dog Parks are a great place for dogs to exercise, socialize and play.
Frist Center for Visual Arts - Volunteers assist in a variety of positions around the Frist Center, from the Gift Shop to assisting with evaluation and research.
Habitat for Humanity in Nashville - Habitat for Humanity plays an active role in the development and construction of affordable housing units.
Hands On Nashville - Hands On Nashville was founded to help people find ways to transform the world around them by volunteering.
Nashville Zoo - From African elephants to Bengal tigers and red pandas, Nashville Zoo provides a home for animals from all over the world.
Playing in Nashville - Here is a directory to many of the wonderful resources in Nashville.
Vanderbilt Events - Special Vanderbilt events as listed in the Reporter, Register, and Community Calendar on the Vanderbilt website.

Tags

Change, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Solution-Focused Counseling

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:47 +0000

Solution-Focused Counseling

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Work/Life Connections-EAP counselors serve as "travel agents for psychological support services."

Faculty and staff come to the Work/Life Connections-EAP for a wide range of reasons, both personal and workplace related.

The WLC-EAP counselor initially meets with you for an hour. During your first session, you will complete some paperwork and then meet with a counselor to discuss why you are seeking assistance and to determine how WLC-EAP can be of the most help. During the initial assessment you will be asked to share information about the problem for which you are seeking help and some background information. Options will then be discussed for addressing your issues. These options might include additional sessions with the WLC-EAP counselor or a referral to a provider in the community who specializes in your concerns. In most cases, WLC-EAP will schedule your initial appointment on the same day or next business day of your phone call, unless there is a specific counselor or appointment time you need.

Confidentiality:

Confidentiality is critical in the success of the counseling relationship. Our counselors are legally required to maintain the confidentiality of client information. Confidential requirements are subject to State mandatory reporting issues. Information concerning your use of Work/Life Connections-EAP are not part of your personnel record or recorded in StarPanel medical record. Records are kept in the Work/Life Connections-EAP office and protected according to confidentiality protocols.

Your counselor will not share information with any persons outside of the Work/Life Connections-EAP without your permission, except as required by law. Generally, legal rules do not require a release of such private information except where life or safety is seriously threatened. However, the following situations are the exceptions:

If, in the professional opinion of the counselor, the client is actively homicidal or suicidal, Work/Life Connections-EAP has a duty to warn/intervene.
If, in the professional opinion of the counselor, the client possibly poses a threat to the health and safety of patients, students, customers or co-workers, resulting from an emotional illness or substance use, Work/Life Connections-EAP has a duty to intervene/protect.
In situations of child or domestic abuse, the law requires reportage to appropriate authorities.
If there is suspected fraud or abuse, Work/Life Connections-EAP, in accordance with The Legal Compliance and Integrity Plan, is required to report to the Corporate Compliance Department.
The individual signs as release of information.

The Work/Life Connections-EAP Clinical Team may review the clinical components of a case. In rare cases, audits of the program may be conducted, but the auditors also bound to confidentiality.

Making an Appointment:

The first step in accessing services is to call us at 936-1327 and we can set up a confidential appointment with one of the Work/Life Connections-EAP counselors. The receptionist may ask you a few questions to help us determine the best counselor match to assist you with your concern.

What to Expect:

During the first visit with the Work/Life Connections-EAP counselor, you will be asked to complete some intake forms and inventories. The counselor will gather some information from you to aid in an assessment and the formation of a plan for treatment. You and your counselor will discuss the issues you are concerned about. At the end of the session, the counselor will make recommendations about the most appropriate steps to be taken to address your situation.

The initial session at Work/Life Connections-EAP usually requires one hour. If the counselor feels the problem can be resolved within the few sessions, you may agree to continue to work on the problem with your counselor. If it is determined that additional expertise or more extensive treatment is needed, the counselor will give you three referrals for professionals or programs within the community who specialize in the area specific to your needs.

Referral Types:

There are two kind categories of referrals to Work/Life Connections-EAP:

Voluntary Referral: The majority of faculty and staff seek assistance from Work/Life Connections-EAP on their own to work toward a solution to a concern. It is between the employee and the counslor. No one will is notified of the individual's use of the Program unless the individual requests it and signs a release of information except as noted in the statement of understanding outlining the terms of client confidentiality.
Mandatory Referral: If an employee contacts Work/Life Connections-EAP as the result of a supervisory requirement, the supervisor will be asked to clarify the reason for the referral, goals, expectations, and potential consequences for non-participation. With the client's permission the supervisor would be notified that the employee has kept the appointment and whether their participation is satisfactory or not satisfactory.

The match between a therapist and the client is the most important predictor of a good outcome. The Work/Life Connections-EAP counselor may suggest a referral to a community mental health provider who has an expertise in dealing with your specific issues and practices in a location that is acceptable given your specific circumstances. The counselor will give 3 referral suggestions. The client is responsible for the payment when seeing a community provider however; the Vanderbilt insurance may cover a portion of this in accordance with the plan.

For benefits eligible faculty and staff members, Vanderbilt provides choices between health plans that include mental health coverage.

Tags

Counseling, Mental Health, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Employee Assistance Program

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:47 +0000

Employee Assistance Program

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

The Employee Assistance Program's experienced counselors provide brief and targeted psychological support to help full-time, part-time, and Vanderbilt Temporary Services (VTS) staff and their spouses/same-sex domestic partners to resolve personal or workplace concerns.

Learn more.

Tags

Counseling, Grief, Mental Health, Stress, Violence, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Faculty & Physician Wellness Program

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:47 +0000

Faculty & Physician Wellness Program

Services, Services for Faculty and Physicians, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

The Faculty and Physician Wellness Program provides psychological support to the Vanderbilt faculty as well as housestaff, as well as their spouses.

Tags

Counseling, Mental Health, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Making a Referral

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:47 +0000

Making a Referral

Services, Services for Managers, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Members of the Vanderbilt Faculty and Staff can use the services and programs of Work/Life Connections-EAP by calling 615-936-1327.

Voluntary or Self-Referrals: Over 90% of the clients seen at Work/Life Connections-EAP are voluntary or self-referrals. Faculty and staff may be dealing with personal, family or workplace issues. Confidentiality is important. At the time of intake, clients receive a statement of understanding that outlines the agreement between the client and the Program. No information will be released without prior authorization unless there is a risk to self or others as defined by Federal guidelines. A manager may wish to inform or even encourage the faculty or staff member to avail themselves of the services and programs offered by Work/Life Connections-EAP.

Mandatory Referrals: While the majority of clients seen at Work/Life Connections-EAP are voluntary referrals, there are occasions when, due to job performance issues, a mandatory referral is determined to be a business necessity. These issues may include the ability to perform essential job functions, significant patient and/or staff complaints, or safety concerns in performing work duties and functions. The decision must be made in consultation with the appropriate leader (see below). Work/Life Connections-EAP welcomes the opportunity to discuss the process and learn about the behavioral concern leading to the referral prior to intake. 615-936-1327.

MEDICAL CENTER STAFF: Consult with the Senior HR Consultant who will discuss with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Human Resources or designee in case of staff.
MEDICAL CENTER FACULTY: Consult with Leadership in the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine's Office of Faculty Affairs.
MEDICAL CENTER HOUSESTAFF: Associate Dean for Graduate Medical Education or designee.

Tags

Addiction, Counseling, Mental Health, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Management Consultations

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:47 +0000

Management Consultations

Services, Services for Managers, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Work/Life Connections-EAP offers support and guidance to supervisors concerning employees and difficult situations.

CONSULTATION: A manager may wish to discuss concerns about an individual employee or a problem within the department. Areas of attention may include:
- Stress in the workplace
- How to refer employees with problems
- Enhancing departmental morale
PSYCHOLOGICAL FIRST AID: The manager may request a Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM) intervention following a critical incident. The intervention is designed to promote personal reslience and an environment of safety, calm, connectedness, self-efficacy, empowerment, and hope.
COACHING: Work/Life Connections-EAP can also provide support and coaching for the manager.

Tags

Coaching, Consultations, Critical Incident Stress, Training, VUMC

Lockdown Auth

Crisis Situations

admin — Thu, 29 Sep 2011 23:18:09 +0000

Crisis Situations

Services, Services for Staff, Work/Life Connections

admin Thu, 09/29/2011 - 18:18 RSS:

Work/Life Connections

Immediate Crisis

If you are having an immediate psychological crisis, please call Work/Life Connections-EAP at 615-936-1327. Please identify that you are in crisis and one of the counselors will talk with you on the phone or we may recommend an immediate appointment in our office.
After hours, call 615-936-1327 and let the answering service know that you need to speak to the counselor on call. Leave a number where you can be reached. The counselor will call you back and help determine the best course of action.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Financial Hardship

The Faculty and Staff Hardship Fund may be of assistance for a temporary hardship due to a significant life event.
The Nashville Financial Empowerment Centers provide free, professional financial counseling to Davidson County residents citywide. The Centers help individuals review their personal budgets to reduce debt and build assets through free, one-on-one financial counseling incorporated into existing services offered in the city. To schedule a free appointment for financial counseling, Nashvillians can directly call the United Way 2-1-1 Helpline to make an appointment, which is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Learn more about the program.

Emergency Food/Housing

If you have the need for immediate shelter or food, you can call the United Way Community Services Helpline by dialing - 211.
Room in the Inn is a housing resource in Nashville that will assist in addressing short-term needs, such as shelter and utility assistance, as well as long-term solutions, such as assistance in employment searches and obtaining affordable housing.
Where to Turn in Nashville is an online guide that lists more than 300 resources for those experiencing homelessness or poverty in Middle Tennessee.

Domestic Violence

The Nashville's Family Safety Center serves individuals who have experienced domestic violence, sexual assault, human trafficking or child abuse with safety planning, resource referrals, orders of protection, and domestic violence education. 615-880-1100.
To speak with someone on a 24 hour hotline, you can contact the YWCA Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-334-4628.
Here are some additional resources in Nashville.

Other Crisis

If there is an emergency on the main Vanderbilt campus, call campus police at 911 from a campus phone.
If you are having a medical emergency, dial 911.
If you need immediate medical assistance, we may direct you to the nearest emergency room. If you are on the main Vanderbilt campus, the closest emergency room is the Vanderbilt Medical Center Emergency Department located on Medical Center Drive.
Work/Life Connections-EAP is located at 1211 21st Avenue South in the basement of the Medical Arts Building in Suite 010.

Tags

Counseling and Self Assessments, Crisis, VUMC

Lockdown Auth